Benderson to expand Amherst medical plaza at site of former Vix

Benderson Development Co. is preparing to expand its new medical-office plaza at a prime Amherst intersection, in response to strengthened demand following its initial redevelopment last year of the old Vix Deep Discount and Pharmacy center at Maple and North Forest roads.

The former retail plaza at 701-705 Maple Road had been vacant for more than a decade, since the owner of Vix filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors, but the developer converted it into new Class A medical space for two Kaleida Health practices – an endocrinology clinic and an occupational and physical therapy practice. Later, a cardiology group that is part of General Physician PC joined them, taking up additional space in the complex and leaving about 7,000 square feet remaining in the 36,650-square-foot building.

The exterior transformation went so well that “there was immediate renewed market interest in the site,” said Benderson Vice President Eric Recoon.

So the developer is now beginning site work to expand the building with a 20,000-square-foot addition. No leases have been signed yet, but Recoon said officials are “working with prospects.”

Work is also underway on another project by Benderson, which is putting up a “couple of new buildings” at its Piccadilly Plaza at the northwest corner of Sheridan Drive and Bailey Avenue. Plans call for a free-standing Starbucks, with a drive-thru, along with a separate outparcel housing a Sleep Number store and another retailer in the future. Benderson also plans to renovate the existing shopping center, which it bought late last year.

email: jepstein@buffnews.com

Jonathan D. Epstein– Jonathan Epstein is a business reporter at The Buffalo News, where he covers commercial and residential real estate and development. He has worked at The News since 2004.